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Grand Rapids Timberline
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NEWS
FOR AND ABOUT
AAUW GRAND RAPIDS
BRANCH
MEMBERS
EDITOR:
Arlene Wheaton,
(218) 232-4989
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Volume
44, Issue 5 February 2020
Monday, February 17, 2020 Lunch Meeting
Location: United Methodist Church
Location: United Methodist Church
11:00 am - A new Special Interest group, Nonfiction Reading, will meet.
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Registration/Social 12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch
12:30 pm – 12:45 pm Business 12:45 – 1:45 pm Program
Menu: French Dip, potato soup, assorted crackers
& Eclair cake
Food Chair: Karen Karls
Cost: $10.00
Cost: $10.00
Program: “What
Amelia Knows” by Chris Marcotte
Chris Marcotte is a columnist as well as a
novelist concentrating on historical fiction.
She will be talking about her new book called What Amelia Knows and how
she happened to start writing what has become a novel. In addition she will discuss the process of
writing a book including the editing. And finally tell us what it takes to get
it into print.
Chris graduated from U of M, Minneapolis,
worked as a social worker for 20 years and took an early retirement to help
care for her grandmother. Through her
grandmother’s stories Chris learned of the murder that is the basis of her
book.
The final revision of the book was completed
in 2019 and now awaits publication. Chris will share her story, the process of
writing this book as well as future plans. Chris writes the Reminisce column in
the Herald Review.
“We must believe that we are gifted for something,
and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”
― Marie Curie
President’s Message
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
So although we seem to have plenty of snow so
far this winter we certainly have not yet had a Polar Vortex. This really has
been a pretty pleasant winter so far. For those of you who think it has been
too gray, those of us that have experience with winter in the Pacific Northwest
know it is not soooo bad.
I delivered our STEM donations to ICC a couple
weeks ago. Kim was very appreciative and is always happy to accept more. It
seems she can find a use for most anything we may just be considering throwing
away, especially if you have quantities. Kim did thank us very sincerely, then
did mention PVC pipe is always needed! Thanks for your contribution to these
young STEM prodigies.
Our next Branch Board meeting is Monday,
February 24 at the Central Mall at 3:45 pm. We are coming up on time to elect
new branch officers. Karen Lonson has
agreed to “run” for Secretary. Thank you, Karen. Anyone else for a board position
or know someone who is interested in running for Secretary or President?
Cyndy adds please remember that the April
meeting will be something timely, different and a very special program on "Gitchigumi
Scouts-Searching for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women" presented by
Taysha Martineau. Bring a guest for
$7.00, so hope to have an excellent turnout.
I was a moderator at a community forum at
Chucker Auditorium recently that Representative Pete Stauber sponsored.
Minnesota has a specific task force concentrated on searching for these missing
people. A very tragic situation indeed.
I finished my AAUW Branch Grant Project
application reviews for this year and fortunately was able to award all applicants
their grants for WorkSmart, Tech Savvy and equal rights.
Deanna Ensley, Co-President
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
March 16: Dr Toni Youngdahl, MD, on “Myths and Facts
About Vaccinations and Immunizations.”
April 20: Taysha Martineau, Founder of Gitchigumi
Scouts, on "Gitchigumi Scouts-Searching for Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Women."
Membership Drive: In April we will have "Bring a Guest” evening. A qualified, first-time guest will qualify
for a $7.00 dinner. We have an
exceptional speaker (elsewhere in the newsletter) so this is a great time to
introduce a neighbor, coworker or someone from exercise class to see what AAUW
is all about.
Fundraiser success, next theme
Thank you for your donations and for supporting our scholarship fund.
We raised $850 from our "Merry &
Bright” fundraiser with a twist in December.
Our theme for our December 2020 fundraiser
will be "Warm & Cozy."
Hastings Branch THANK YOU
Hastings Branch THANK YOU
After reading your AAUW Grand Rapids November newsletter, I shared your ‘Shiny and Bright’ fundraiser idea with our AAUW Hastings Branch board. Since there would be no state convention this year, we needed to fundraise locally for our contribution to national. Our board agreed to hold a similar fundraiser at our Holiday Gathering and we raised $600 for AAUW Funds!
We totally followed your brilliant plan and
your suggested raffle ticket prices…no need to reinvent the wheel! Our members donated very fun items and were
enthusiastic and positive in their response. As Lisa stated in the Pine, we
hope to do this successful fundraiser again! So thank you AAUW Grand Rapids for
your Shiny and Bright idea!
Hibbing AAUW book
sale fundraiser
The Hibbing AAUW invites you to attend our book sale of 70,000 books.
The Hibbing AAUW invites you to attend our book sale of 70,000 books.
The
book sale will be Jan 31, Feb 1 & 2
FRI 10 am-8 pm with books costing $1
FRI 10 am-8 pm with books costing $1
SAT 9:30 am-
5:30 pm - books at 50 cents
SUN 10 am –
2 pm - $2 per bag
The Armory is located at 2310 Brooklyn Dr (across Hwy 169 from Hibbing Community College).
The Armory is located at 2310 Brooklyn Dr (across Hwy 169 from Hibbing Community College).
** INTEREST
GROUPS **
BRIDGE
Group meets at Majestic Pines Senior Living on 1st Thursday, year round now. Starts with lunch in the Bistro at 11:30 a.m. followed by Bridge, one to two tables. Contact is Nancy Raymond, 952-715-2365.
Group meets at Majestic Pines Senior Living on 1st Thursday, year round now. Starts with lunch in the Bistro at 11:30 a.m. followed by Bridge, one to two tables. Contact is Nancy Raymond, 952-715-2365.
EXPLORING OUR COMMUNITY
No events planned at this time. If you have ideas for an outing, contact Juliet Jones, kcjones50@yahoo.com
No events planned at this time. If you have ideas for an outing, contact Juliet Jones, kcjones50@yahoo.com
LITERATURE – Monday
group
Group meets on
1st Monday (except for holidays) at 10:00 AM at
Grand Rapids State Bank Annex. Contacts are Nancy Salmi, 326-3147, and Jan
Hill, 246-9791.
For our February 3rd meeting, we are reading Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright. The former Secretary of State traces the history of fascism through the Twentieth Century and explains how and why, today, it is a real threat to democracy, international peace, and justice. Leader for this meeting is Jan Hill.
For our February 3rd meeting, we are reading Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright. The former Secretary of State traces the history of fascism through the Twentieth Century and explains how and why, today, it is a real threat to democracy, international peace, and justice. Leader for this meeting is Jan Hill.
March 2: The
Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, Leader: Janet Coy
LITERATURE – Wednesday group
Group meets at 10:30 am on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Area Library, River Room, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
Group meets at 10:30 am on 2nd Wednesday, Grand Rapids Area Library, River Room, September-May. Contact is Barbara Zimmer, 327-0911 or kbzimmer@q.com
Feb. 12: Becoming
by Michelle Obama
March 11: Chinese-ness
by Wing Young Huie
*NEW NONFICTION BOOK GROUP (beginning
this winter)
Short Information
meeting before the AAUW program meeting on Feb.
17 at 11:00 am to get some ideas for starting a book group that reads
nonfiction books and magazines. Nonpolitical but will have discussions that are
current or about world issues or personal issues. Questions? Call Marilyn Rossman at 218-326-6775.
PUBLIC
POLICY
The group will not meet Thurs., Feb. 13, 3:45-5:00 pm, at the KAXE meeting room. We will continue discussing the book, How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt. For information, contact Jean Halverson, 327-9159, jehhmh@mchsi.com or Jan Miland, 218-208-8659, jan.miland@yahoo.com
The group will not meet Thurs., Feb. 13, 3:45-5:00 pm, at the KAXE meeting room. We will continue discussing the book, How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt. For information, contact Jean Halverson, 327-9159, jehhmh@mchsi.com or Jan Miland, 218-208-8659, jan.miland@yahoo.com
WALKING & TALKING
The Walking and Talking Group is on its winter
schedule of walking at 1 PM on Tuesdays.
The location of the walks changes from week to week and is chosen by the
group. Locations are emailed to the group.
We generally walk for about an hour and then have coffee. We walk outdoors rather than in a mall or
gym. Members walk when they want to and
at their own pace; no need to RSVP. It
is a social group rather than a hard-core exercise one. We welcome new
members. If you want to be added to the
group, send your email address to k.karls@yahoo.com
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Family/Education
Julie graduated from Grand Rapids High School and ICC, then left home to
finish her education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, as
well as a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota,
Twin Cities. She married Jim, a “city
boy”, and settled in Vadnais Heights to raise two children. She has one grandson in Texas, which means
they travel to Texas frequently.
Career/Professional Accomplishments
Julie had a 38-year career with the Minnesota State Department of
Transportation. When she retired, she
was an Assistant Commissioner, the first woman to reach that level in an
engineering capacity. When she joined the department in 1976, she was one of
three women engineers in a department that employed more than 400
engineers. By the time she retired, 40%
of the engineers in the division she oversaw were women. She served as a mentor/role model for many
women who wanted to succeed in a male- dominated organization while also
raising a family.
Her work allowed her to be involved in transportation research,
particularly in the area of traffic safety and materials. She had opportunities
to work with researchers all over the country as well as internationally. A
less enjoyable aspect, but certainly as important, was working with state
legislators on transportation issues. She spent many hours at hearings in the
Capitol waiting to testify about the condition of the infrastructure and the funding
shortfalls facing the engineers all over the state trying to keep the roads and
bridges functioning safely.
Personal Interests
Julie and her family all love to travel and spent most vacations while the
kids were growing up camping and hiking in the national parks. She has visited
all 50 states, and she and Jim have taken advantage of retirement to add 13
more countries to their total of 47 “we have visited” list. She is an avid reader who particularly loves
to read science fiction and fantasy but is open to almost anything. She is the
treasurer of the Homeowners Association and an active participant in the Itasca
Curling Club to help the long winters speed along.
AAUW passion/involvement
Julie has been a member for three years.
She was attracted to the organization because of the scholarships AAUW
provides. AAUW gives her an opportunity
to continue to support education. She is
co-chair of the Program Committee, which has given her a chance to learn more
about the community that changed a great deal in the 40 years she was away.
*************WOMEN’S
RIGHT TO VOTE!************
From Cyndy Agle,
Co-President:
Hello members, this
is the 100th year of the 19th amendment!
In the next few newsletters we will have facts on
this amendment and also key women involved in promoting the 19th amendment.
The 19th Amendment
was passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920.
Susan B. Anthony was born into a family of devout, radical
Quakers. In 1853 she lobbied the state of New York to extend property rights to
married women. At this time a woman
could not own and inherit property in her own name, keep her own wages, or
enter into a contract.
She co-founded the
National Women's Suffrage Association in 1869. In 1872 she was arrested for
attempting to vote in the presidential election at that time.
In 1878, Senator
Aaron Sargent of California introduced the "Anthony Amendment", an
amendment to the US constitution that stated, "The right of citizens of
the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States
or any State on account of sex."
His bill was
introduced and rejected for the next 41 years. In 1919, the exact text of his
bill was approved by Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the states in
1920.
Susan B. Anthony
died in 1906 and never saw women's suffrage become law.
***********************************************
A
Women's Suffrage Conference will be held in Ely on June 26 & 27,
sponsored by the Brunfelt-Sainio Memorial Foundation and the AAUW Ely
branch. "Women's Lives Transformed: The 19th Amendment" will be
held at Vermilion Community College.
Websites for local, state and national AAUW
information:
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
MN AAUW website: http://aauw-mn.aauw.net
National AAUW website: www.aauw.org
Our Grand Rapids AAUW blog: http://grandrapidsaauw.blogspotcom/
MN AAUW website: http://aauw-mn.aauw.net
National AAUW website: www.aauw.org
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AAUW Midwest
Regional Convention
June 18-20, 2020
Hyatt Place, East Moline,
Illinois
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CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 18
Thursday, June 18
11:00 to 1:00 pm Conference Registration Opens at Convention Site
11:00 to 1:00 pm Exhibit set up
1:00-1:45 pm Opening Lunch, Welcome from State Presidents
1:45-2:45 pm Lisa Maatz
2:45-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:00 pm Michelle Duster
4:00-4:45 pm Breakout Session #1
5:00-6:00 pm Cash Open Bar
6:00-8:30 pm Banquet at The Bend
7:00-8:00 pm President’s Reception with Kim Churches
Friday, June 19
8:00-8:30am Registration, Exhibits Open
8:30-8:45am Welcome, Announcements
8:45-10:00am Kendra Davis, AAUW in Action and Economic Security Panel
10:00-10:15am Break
10:15-11:15 am Panel – Economic Security in Action?
11:15-11:30 am Break
11:30-12:15 pm Breakout Session #2
12:30-1:00 pm Lunch
1:00-2:00 pm Denise Lieberman
2:00-2:15 pm Break
2:15-3:00 pm Breakout Session #3
Branch Program Sharing
State Board Meetings (Illinois and Iowa)
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Early Registration planned at about $175; late registration after mid-May planned at $225. Double rooms about $150. Official registration will start soon. Questions? Contact Deanna Ensley, 360-333-0228 or deannaensley@yahoo.com |
5:45-6:15 pm Travel to and Board River Cruise
6:30-9:00 pm River Boat Cruise
Saturday, June 20
8:00-8:30 am Registration, Exhibits Open
8:30-8:45 am Welcome, Announcements
8:45-9:45 am LAF Speaker
9:45-10:30 am Plenary
10:30-11:45 am Kendra Davis, Town Hall
11:45 am-12 pm Farewell and Evaluations
FINANCE REPORT, AAUW GRAND RAPIDS MN BRANCH 6013
October - December 2019 -
SECOND Quarter Financial Summary - Fiscal Year 2019-2020
(Based upon 12.11.2019 Bank
Statements): Prepared by Cheryl Vogel;
Board Review & Approval Pending
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v 89 paid members: 81- MOB; Dual: 4; Lifetime: 4
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v Total Income Second Quarter: $4,262.89
Dues paid in current Fiscal Year: $360.50;
Dinner Fees: $2,603; Individual Donations: $250; Book Sale: $101; Travel
Treasures: $96; December Silent Auction: $850; Checking Account Interest:
$2.39.
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Dues: Paid in previous Fiscal Year: $6,709.
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v Total Expenses Second Quarter: $ 4,680.04 National
& State Dues: $360.5; Newsletter & Printing: $504.04; Dinner
Expenses: $2,487.91; Dinner Refund: $18; Meeting Room Rental: $150;
Hospitality Committee: $107.27; Sunshine & Caring: $41.80; AAUW
Education/Training Fund: $1,000; Misc. Expenses: $10.52.
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v Year-to-Date Net Revenue: $ 554.42
o The
transfer of state conference funds back to the primary AAUW checking account
produced the positive YTD Net Revenue.
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v YTD Total Donations in Fiscal Year 2019-2020: $0
·
One Stem Campership from the
previous fiscal year was not used, so the funds will be carried forward to
this fiscal year.
·
AAUW Education & Training
Fund: $1,000 (12.2019)
·
AAUW Monday Book Club: $150 (donated directly to Food Shelf)
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Checking
Account
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$ 10,162.68
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Savings
Account
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$ 1,807.06
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State
Conference Checking Account: 09.2019
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Closed
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TOTAL
CASH-ON-HAND
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$11,969.74
Note:
$1,000
December donation is not reflected in Dec 2019 Bank Statement.
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AAUW
GRAND RAPIDS BOARD MEETING
December 16, 2019,
Central Square Mall
Members present: Cyndy Agle, Cheryl Vogel, Karen Karls, Marlys Mestemacher, Elaine Thorstenson, Julie Skallman, Jan Miland, Marge Domish, Marj Lavalier, Deanna Ensley, Nancy Raymond, Helen Ahlbrecht.
Co-president Cyndy Agle opened the meeting.
Cheryl moved, Karen seconded to accept the amended October board minutes. Passed.
Cheryl presented the treasurer’s report. She
has sent $1,000 to the National Education Fund. There are 89 members. An AAUW
book club sent $150 directly to the Second Harvest Food Shelf.
Discussion was held on donating to the state
from our branch to the state treasury because there is no state convention. No
action taken.
Marj, as membership chair, said that three new
members came to an orientation that she held in November. April will be another
“$7 dinner for guest” meeting. Marge and Julie have the programs all set to go.
Even the first two summer months are planned.
Karen is very pleased with program chairwomen,
Marge and Julie.
Elaine reported that she has received nice
compliments about the caterers. She gave each of them a $30 Forest Lake gift
certificate.
Helen reported that the scholarship process
will start soon.
There is one unused STEM campership for 2020.
The February newsletter member spotlight will be Julie Skallman.
The nominating committee members are Nancy
Raymond and Jean Hoshal. They will
present nominations for president and secretary at the March meeting.
In old business, $850 was raised at the
Christmas event fundraiser. The quality of gifts was exceptional.
Cyndy will be back in April, so contact Deanna
until then. Deanna reported on the AAUW Regional Convention in June. She is
going and welcomes others to go along. Deanna will collect the STEM donations
in January.
The Ely branch has invited us to their 19th
amendment celebration on June 26-27.
The policy continues to pay for reserved meal if absent. Cyndy has sent two articles about our branch to AAUW Minnesota’s The Pine on “What Grand Rapids is Doing.”
The policy continues to pay for reserved meal if absent. Cyndy has sent two articles about our branch to AAUW Minnesota’s The Pine on “What Grand Rapids is Doing.”
The next board meeting is Monday, February 24,
at the Central Square Mall meeting room. 3:45-5:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted. Jan Miland, Secretary
ADVANCING EQUITY
FOR WOMEN & GIRLS
– FOR MORE INFORMATION
AAUW MINNESOTA www.aauwmn.net
